Canon Powershot S120 vs Samsung NX Mini NX M 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS: Unveiling the Ultimate Camera Showdown!

Choosing the right compact camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the compact camera market are the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 with its 27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon PowerShot S120 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it highly portable. Its metal body feels robust and durable, offering a premium feel. On the other hand, the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 adopts a more stylish and modern approach, with its minimalist design and colorful body options. However, its plastic construction might feel slightly less robust compared to the S120.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: Compact and lightweight, metal body, premium feel.
• Cons: Limited customization options.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: Stylish and modern design, colorful body options.
• Cons: Plastic construction, less durable feel.

Image Quality and Performance

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Canon PowerShot S120 excels in low-light performance, thanks to its larger sensor and wider aperture. Its images generally exhibit better detail and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9, however, boasts a faster autofocus system and a higher burst rate, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: Excellent low-light performance, good image detail and dynamic range.
• Cons: Slower autofocus and burst rate.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: Fast autofocus and burst rate, suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• Cons: Less impressive low-light performance.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

The Canon PowerShot S120 features a 5x optical zoom lens with a 24-120mm equivalent focal length. This versatile lens allows for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from landscapes to close-up portraits. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9, on the other hand, comes with a fixed 27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens, offering a wider field of view but limited zoom capabilities.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: 5x optical zoom, versatile lens for various shooting scenarios.
• Cons: No fixed aperture.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: Wider field of view, fixed aperture.
• Cons: Limited zoom capabilities.

Video Recording

Both cameras offer decent video recording capabilities, but the Canon PowerShot S120 takes the lead with its ability to record Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 is limited to 30 frames per second, resulting in less smooth video footage.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps.
• Cons: No 4K video recording.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: Decent video recording capabilities.
• Cons: Limited to 30fps video recording.

Connectivity and Features

Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos to smartphones and tablets. The Canon PowerShot S120 also features a built-in GPS receiver, which is a handy addition for geotagging images. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9, however, offers a wider range of creative control options, including manual controls and RAW image capture.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: Built-in GPS receiver, easy sharing options.
• Cons: Limited creative control options.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: Wider range of creative control options, RAW image capture.
• Cons: No built-in GPS receiver.

Battery Life

The Canon PowerShot S120 boasts a slightly longer battery life, capable of capturing around 250 shots on a single charge. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life, with an estimated 200 shots per charge.
Canon PowerShot S120:

• Pros: Longer battery life.
• Cons: None.

Samsung NX Mini NX-M9:

• Pros: None.
• Cons: Shorter battery life.

The Verdict

The choice between the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Canon PowerShot S120 is a solid all-around compact camera with excellent low-light performance and a versatile zoom lens. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize image quality and portability. The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9, on the other hand, offers a more stylish and modern design, faster autofocus, and a wider range of creative control options. It’s a better fit for photographers who value speed and creative flexibility.

The Final Word: The Choice Is Yours!

Both the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 are exceptional compact cameras with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Canon PowerShot S120 shines in low-light performance and image quality, while the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 excels in speed and creative control. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual priorities and shooting style.

Information You Need to Know

Q: What is the main difference between the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9?
A: The Canon PowerShot S120 prioritizes image quality and portability, while the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 focuses on speed and creative control.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon PowerShot S120 offers better low-light performance due to its larger sensor and wider aperture.
Q: Which camera is better for capturing fast-moving subjects?
A: The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 boasts a faster autofocus system and a higher burst rate, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Q: Which camera offers more creative control options?
A: The Samsung NX Mini NX-M9 provides a wider range of creative control options, including manual controls and RAW image capture.
Q: Which camera is more compact and portable?
A: The Canon PowerShot S120 is slightly more compact and lightweight than the Samsung NX Mini NX-M9.